Local Notes: ST. Patrick's Day Parade, Yoga, Bingo
One row at a time! Every Tuesday this group of ladies meet for a knit and natter in The Shambles Ballaghaderreen. All welcome. Pic: Breda Durr
A team from St Nathy’s College were crowned Connacht PPS Senior B Football Champions 2026, and everyone in Ballagh, the St Nathy’s diaspora, and the wider community is extremely proud. It’s the kind of achievement that’ll be talked about year after year. A special word of thanks to Durkin’s Ballaghaderreen for their warm hospitality after the big win and for sponsoring the new training jerseys. Local support like this makes a real difference. Best of luck to the team and management as they now head into an All-Ireland semi-final against Munster champions Mount Saint Michael of Roscarbery, County Cork. Ballagh is shouting for you.
The 2026 Ballaghaderreen St. Patrick’s Day Parade celebrates the theme of “The Story of Ballaghaderreen,” growing from a little acorn to a mighty oak. On March 17th, come out, support local businesses, and have fun. Organisers are also calling for volunteers, so if you’d like to help, contact the St. Patrick’s Day Committee via Facebook.
The GAA 50/50 draw was held on Sunday, February 15th in The Fiddlers Elbow, The Square. Winner of the jackpot of €540 was John Egan, c/o Clarke's Bar, selling agents, Saturday night team. Next draw on Monday, February 23rd at Imelda Towey's, Main Street. Many thanks to all for your support.
A free funding Workshop for art-based and creative ideas takes place in Ballaghaderreen on Friday, February 20th (11 a.m.–4 p.m. break included) in the Community Resource Centre, The Shambles. The session will cover how to apply for funding, what makes a strong application, plus tips on artist statements, local opportunities and wellbeing. Places are limited, and booking is essential. Priority will be given to creatives based in Ballagh and surrounding areas. To book, email creativeplacesballagh@gmail.com
Conversational English with Kelly, runs every Tuesday morning from 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. in the SICAP Office, The Shambles, Ballaghaderreen. For details call 094 9862565 or 0868194698. All are welcome.
Ballaghaderreen GAA has announced details of a fundraising night in London on Friday, April 10th. The venue is The Claddagh Ring, 10 Church Road, Hendon, London and is on the eve of Mayo's championship game v London. There will be an auction and raffle on the night, with prizes and full details to follow in the coming weeks. This is a great opportunity for Ballagh people in London to meet up for the match. The club thanks Finbar Holian and the Claddagh Ring for their cooperation with this event.
Ballaghaderreen CE Scheme has positions are available for a general operative and an administration assistant. If you are interested in either of the positions, e-mail: adcesupervisor@theshambles.le or contact 086 1426068.
The Ballaghaderreen FC 50/50 draw was held on Tuesday, February 10th. The jackpot winner of €235 was Ann Morarity, seller, Newsround. Next draw is February 17th at the Community Park. Thank you for your continued support.
An open evening will be held at Brusna NS (F45AR29) on this Wednesday, February 18th from 2.30 p.m.-3.30 p.m. for enrolments. All are welcome. Brusna NS will open a new autism class in September 26. Parents/guardians of any new pupils who would like to enrol need to contact the school on 094-9860009.
A family support drop-in clinic is now available at Ballaghaderreen Family Resource centre. This service is open to all parents, guardians or any family member who is experiencing any type of issue or problem within the family. This is a safe and confidential space to seek support, advice and guidance on issues arising in your everyday life. This is an inter-agency project with Tusla Family Support Workers. Clinics are on Mondays from 9.30 a.m. to 12 noon. No appointment necessary.
A Grow mental health peer support group meets every Wednesday, 7.30 pm - 9.30 p.m. at the Ozanam Centre, Oak Grove, Ballaghaderreen. Online group available from 6:30 p.m. on Grow.ie/peer-support-mental-health.
If you have local news, a story worth sharing, an upcoming event, a fundraiser, a milestone, or anything happening in and around Ballaghaderreen, feel free to send it in so it can be included for others to see in the Ballaghaderreen Notes. Whether it’s a club update, school achievement, charity drive, “thank you” note, community notice, or a reminder about something coming up, this column is here to reflect what’s going on locally and to help keep people connected. Contact Erik Nielsen at ballaghaderreennotes@gmail.com
The annual fundraising concert will be held on Saturday, February 28th at 8 p.m. in the Coleman Centre, Gurteen, always a special night of great entertainment. Guests include Fr James McDonagh, John Dwyer, Nora O'Connor, PJ Hernon, Maureen O'Dowd, Seamus O'Donnell, Lily Rothman, Junior Davey and many more. To book tickets ring 071-91 82599 or www. colemanirishmusic.com
The death took place on Sunday, February 8th of Mr Jack Doddy, Clooncoose, Bunninadden Predeceased by his wife, Teresa, brothers, Joe, Bernie, Batty, Louis. Sympathy to his sister, Beatrice, brothers, Francie, Cuilmore, Gurteen, Val, Edmund, and their families. Funeral Mass was in Bunninadden last Wednesday. Sympathy to all the Doddy family on their bereavement.
Sympathy is extended to Ann Looby, Gurteen on the sad passing of her granddaughter, Olivia Norah Lavin and to her parents, Teresa and Declan and their family and Mary Lavin grandmother.
A pilgrimage to Medjugorje with Yvonne Igoe, 087-4170959, will take place from Wednesday, October 14th – Wednesday, October 21st, €915 sharing. Knock to Mostar with Marian Pilgrimages.
The Achonry pioneer dinner dance takes place on Friday, March 20th at 8 p.m. in the Yeats County Inn, Curry. Music by The Duets. Tickets, €40 p.p. To book contact Thomas 087-2344338.
Yoga class starts on Wednesday, February 18th at 7 p.m. in Gurteen Hall. Open to men and women- all levels welcome, beginner friendly. Contact 087-9560778.
The Gurteen Celtic lotto draw last week wasn’t won -numbers drawn were ,01,11, 14 , 22 and the winner of the €50 was Seamus O'Connor.
The Eastern Harps 50/50 draw was held on Monday night last and the winner was Mary Phillips, Doon West who won €708. The club appreciates all support.
Bingo is held in Gurteen Hall every Friday at 8 p.m.- jackpot of €2100 on 45 calls. Support is greatly appreciated.
